Washoe
County Labor
Employment
| Year | Labor Force | Employment | Unemployment | Unemployment Rate (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2008 | 233,378 | 218,190 | 15,188 | 6.5 |
| 2007 | 226,326 | 215,892 | 10,434 | 4.6 |
| 2006 | 216,078 | 207,510 | 8,568 | 4.0 |
| 2005 | 209,834 | 201,670 | 8,164 | 3.9 |
| 2004 | 207,369 | 199,803 | 7,566 | 3.7 |
Source: Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR)
Job
Growth Numbers
| Reno MSA | Number of Employed | % Job Growth |
|---|---|---|
| July 2008 | 220,200 | -1.9 |
| 2007 | 224,200 | 0.4 |
| 2006 | 223,300 | 3.7 |
| 2005 | 215,400 | 3.3 |
| 2004 | 208,500 | 4.2 |
Source: Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
Gaming
vs. Non-Gaming Workforce Information
| Year | Total # of Jobs |
#of Non-Gaming Jobs | Annual % of Change |
# of Gaming Jobs | Annual % of Change |
Gaming Jobs to all Jobs Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2008 | 223,100 | 204,100 | -0.5 | 19,000 | 0.0 | 8.5 |
| 2007 | 224,200 | 205,200 | 0.5 | 19,000 | -0.5 | 8.5 |
| 2006 | 223,300 | 204,200 | 4.4 | 19,100 | -3.5 | 8.6 |
| 2005 | 215,400 | 195,600 | 6.2 | 19,800 | -18.9 | 9.2 |
| 2004 | 208,500 | 184,100 | 5.6 | 24,400 | -5.1 | 11.7 |
Information obtained from Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), Reno MSA.
Labor
Force Information
Occupation
| Year | Employed Population 16 + |
Management/ Professional |
Service | Sales/ Office |
Farming/ Fishing/ Forestry |
Construction | Production/ Transportation |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | % | # | % | # | % | # | % | # | % | # | % | ||
| 2006 | 204,368 | 62,024 | 30.3 | 37,202 | 18.2 | 55,285 | 27.1 | 598 | 0.2 | 26,590 | 13.0 | 22,669 | 11.1 |
| 2005 | 197,502 | 63,162 | 32.0 | 36,768 | 18.6 | 50,212 | 25.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 23,143 | 11.7 | 24,217 | 12.3 |
| 2004 | 192,193 | 61,884 | 32.2 | 41,409 | 21.5 | 48,308 | 25.1 | 120 | 0.1 | 22,682 | 11.8 | 17,790 | 9.3 |
| 2003 | 186,642 | 59,500 | 31.9 | 39,754 | 21.3 | 46,199 | 24.8 | 293 | 0.2 | 18,154 | 9.7 | 22,742 | 12.2 |
| 2002 | 179,153 | 51,238 | 28.6 | 34,805 | 19.4 | 52,403 | 29.3 | 168 | 0.1 | 23,179 | 12.9 | 17,360 | 9.7 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
Class of Worker
| Year | Employed Population 16 + |
Private | Government | Self-employed | Unpaid Family | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | % | # | % | # | % | # | % | ||
| 2006 | 204,368 | 167,090 | 81.8 | 26,056 | 15.6 | 10,998 | 5.4 | 224 | 0.1 |
| 2005 | 197,502 | 157,164 | 79.6 | 26,447 | 13.4 | 13,735 | 7.0 | 156 | 0.0 |
| 2004 | 192,193 | 154,326 | 80.3 | 23,578 | 12.3 | 14,094 | 7.3 | 195 | 0.1 |
| 2003 | 186,642 | 146,474 | 78.5 | 28,189 | 15.1 | 11,820 | 6.3 | 159 | 0.1 |
| 2002 | 179,153 | 140,759 | 78.6 | 28,297 | 15.8 | 9,815 | 5.5 | 282 | 0.1 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
Labor
Relations
Right to Work Laws
Nevada is a Right to Work state. Right to Work law secures the right of
employees to decide for themselves whether or not to join or financially
support a union. However, employees who work in the railway or airline industries
are not protected by a Right to Work law, and employees who work on a federal
enclave may not be.
Union Information (Reno-Sparks, NV)
| Sector | Obs | Employment | Members | Members | %Mem | %Cov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 504 | 198,397 | 25,054 | 30,082 | 12.6 | 15.2 |
| Private | 412 | 162,380 | 11,777 | 13,620 | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| Public | 92 | 36,017 | 13,277 | 16,462 | 36.9 | 45.7 |
Union Membership and
Coverage Database, 2007
Obs=CPS sample size, Employment=wage and salary employment, Members=employed
workers who are union members, Covered=workers covered by a collective bargaining
agreement, %Mem=percent of employed workers who are union members, and %Cov=percent
of employed workers who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Workman's
Compensation Insurance
To assist in defining workman's compensation rates within Nevada, you have several options:
- Use your existing insurance company if they are licensed in Nevada
- You can be self insured in Nevada
- Provide us with the following information and we will furnish estimates
of workman's compensation insurance rates currently available from over
200 private insurance companies in Nevada.
- Class codes per employee
- Payroll by class code - Nevada has a PAYROLL CAP whereby wages over $36,000 per employee are not charged for workman's compensation.
- Loss experience for the last three (3) years
- If your company has an Experience Rate Modifier established, it can be applied to your Nevada exposure.
- Call the National Council on Compensation Insurance at 1.800.622.4123 for specific rates for your company.
More information is available under Nevada Workman's Compensation Insurance.
Nevada
Underwriting Environment
- Mandatory use of NCCI loss costs
- Companies set their own loss cost multipliers
- Schedule Rating +/- 25%
- Payroll capped at $36,000 per employee
- Underwriting Alternatives
- Guaranteed Cost Plan
- Retrospective Rating Plan
- Deductible Program
Nevada
Claims Environment
- Pro-Employer State - burden of proof is on the employee
- Medical Control - care must be provided by physicians in Insurer network
- Drug Testing - positive drug test can result in claim denial
- PPD Ratings - based on objective findings
- VOC Rehab - can be addressed through settlement offering
Healthcare
Information
Resources
HC Pro
- The Healthcare Compliance Committee - HIPAA Information
HC Pro sponsored website with a wealth of resources related to HIPAA. A
must see website if you are interested in issues related to Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996(HIPAA).
American Academy of Family Physicians
- HIPAA Information
American Academy of Family Physicians sponsored website for Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with resources for employers.
Nevada Health Partners
Nevada Health Partners was organized in 2002, as a subsidiary non-profit
corporation of the Nevada Health Care Coalition ("NHCC"), also
a non-profit corporation in Nevada. NHP contracts medical service providers
and provider services organizations exclusively on behalf of its employer
members. Currently medical providers include physicians, dentists, hospitals,
prescription benefit management companies, ancillary service providers,
and a large national provider services organization.
Health Plans
Hometown
Health Providers Insurance Company
Hometown Health is a non profit medical service organization that offers
health insurance to small businesses with two to fifty employees. From the
Web site: "Hometown Health Plan is northern Nevada's oldest, largest
and most experienced health maintenance organization (HMO). Locally-owned,
it was established in 1988 and operates as a non-profit organization. Hometown
Health Plan provides comprehensive benefits to members solely through employer
groups."
St.
Mary's Health Plans
St. Mary's offers health plans for small businesses with two to fifty employees.
Anthem
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nevada
Anthem offers a variety of products that give you benefit and coverage options
to suit your situation and your needs. All of their health plans come with
benefits everyone looks for - plus some features you might not expect. For
more than three decades, Nevadans have relied on the strength and security
of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield names. With coverage from Anthem, you
join more than 84 million other Americans who count on Blue Cross and Blue
Shield plans for health benefits.
Health Plan of Nevada
As Nevada’s oldest, and most experienced health care organization,
HPN has provided Nevada with quality health care that is affordable and
easy to access, for over 20 years. They are pleased to offer a variety of
benefit plans that provide services and solutions designed to match your
diverse health care needs. HPN, a subsidiary of Sierra Health Services,
Inc., is the largest health maintenance organizations (HMO) in Nevada.
PacifiCare
PacifiCare Health Systems serves more than 3 million health plan members
and approximately 10 million specialty plan members nationwide with annual
revenues of more than $12 billion. PacifiCare is celebrating its 25th anniversary
as one of the nation's largest consumer health organizations, offering individuals,
employers and Medicare beneficiaries a variety of consumer-driven health
care and insurance products. Specialty operations include behavioral health,
dental and vision, life insurance, and complete pharmacy and medical management
through its wholly owned subsidiary, Prescription Solutions.
UniCare
UniCare is a national organization dedicated to the delivery of quality
health care plans and products working together with its customers, consultants,
brokers, providers and employers. Providing managed care and specialty health
care services throughout the United States, UniCare Life & Health Insurance
Company is an operating affiliate of WellPoint
Health Networks Inc. one of the nation's largest publicly traded managed
care companies serving the health care needs of more than 13 million members
and approximately 42.6 million specialty members. UniCare offers a comprehensive
array of health care plans and specialty products that preserve member choice
at competitive prices.
Source: Nevada Health Care Coalition
Commuting
Trends
Commuting To Washoe County from other areas
2007 Washoe County employment = 215,892 jobs
| Area of Residence | Number of Workers | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | 3,577 | 1.66 |
| Lyon County, NV | 3,276 | 1.52 |
| Douglas County, NV | 1,572 | 0.73 |
| Nevada County, CA | 1,262 | 0.58 |
| Placer County, CA | 1,198 | 0.55 |
| Storey County, NV | 1,036 | 0.48 |
| Churchill County, NV | 580 | 0.27 |
| Plumas County, CA | 339 | 0.16 |
| Lassen County, CA | 297 | 0.14 |
| Sierra County, CA | 296 | 0.14 |
| El Dorado County, CA | 273 | 0.13 |
| Clark County, NV | 196 | 0.09 |
| Los Angeles County, CA | 128 | 0.06 |
| Sacramento County, CA | 101 | 0.05 |
| Maricopa County, AZ | 94 | 0.04 |
| Elko County, NV | 77 | 0.04 |
| Shasta County, CA | 66 | 0.03 |
| Pershing County, NV | 59 | 0.03 |
| Alameda County, CA | 56 | 0.03 |
| San Bernardino County, CA | 55 | 0.03 |
| Contra Costa County, CA | 54 | 0.03 |
| Santa Cruz County, CA | 54 | 0.03 |
| Humboldt County, NV | 53 | 0.02 |
| Sonoma County, CA | 47 | 0.02 |
| Mineral County, NV | 43 | 0.02 |
| Butte County, CA | 40 | 0.02 |
| Middlesex County, MA | 38 | 0.02 |
| Fresno County, CA | 37 | 0.02 |
| Jackson County, OR | 36 | 0.02 |
The number of workers commuting to this county from other areas is calculated by taking the 2000 % provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and multiplying it by the 2007 county employment provided by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation. All numbers are approximate. For the complete list of commuting trends for Washoe County please click here.
Commuting From Washoe County to other areas
2007 Washoe County population = 418,061
| Area of Workplace | Number of People | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | 3,244 | 0.78 |
| Nevada County, CA | 677 | 0.16 |
| Lyon County, NV | 613 | 0.15 |
| Douglas County, NV | 583 | 0.14 |
| Placer County, CA | 516 | 0.12 |
| Clark County, NV | 319 | 0.08 |
| Churchill County, NV | 226 | 0.05 |
| San Mateo County, CA | 204 | 0.05 |
| Storey County, NV | 164 | 0.04 |
| Los Angeles County, CA | 144 | 0.04 |
| Lassen County, CA | 136 | 0.03 |
| Sacramento County, CA | 104 | 0.03 |
| Alameda County, CA | 99 | 0.02 |
| Santa Clara County, CA | 90 | 0.02 |
| Humboldt County, NV | 87 | 0.02 |
| Yolo County, CA | 67 | 0.02 |
| El Dorado County, CA | 65 | 0.02 |
| Plumas County, CA | 59 | 0.01 |
| San Francisco County, CA | 57 | 0.01 |
| Middlesex County, NJ | 56 | 0.01 |
| Stanislaus County, CA | 49 | 0.01 |
| Maricopa County, AZ | 45 | 0.01 |
| Sierra County, CA | 44 | 0.01 |
| Contra Costa County, CA | 39 | 0.01 |
| Dallas County, TX | 39 | 0.01 |
| Tarrant County, TX | 39 | 0.01 |
| Cook County, IL | 33 | 0.01 |
| Honolulu County, HI | 33 | 0.01 |
| Kern County, CA | 31 | 0.01 |
| New Haven County, CT | 29 | 0.01 |
| North Slope Borough, AK | 29 | 0.01 |
The number of people commuting from this county to other areas is calculated by taking the 2000 % provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and multiplying it by the 2007 county population provided by the Nevada Demographer. All numbers are approximate. For the complete list of commuting trends for Washoe County please click here.
Workforce
Development and Vocational Training
Academic and Career Services
A joint operation with the University of Nevada, Reno; Academic and Career
Services works to connect employers with graduating students. They have
several programs such as Placement Plus which allows employers to post position
descriptions and search student resumes online.
Train Employees Now
(TEN)
Nevada offers a state-funded, matching grant program that ensures that new
and existing employers have access to a skilled work force. The TEN program
operates in conjunction with various state agencies and the Federal Job
Training Partnership Act (JTPA). It offers up to 90 days of on-the-job training
in which the employer will be reimbursed up to 75% of the total eligible
costs. Training is provided only for employees whose average wage is 80%
of the statewide average wage. A maximum of $1,000 per employee is available
for customized training. Annual funding is determined by the legislature.
Job Opportunities in Nevada (JOIN)
JOIN offers clients job readiness skills, assists individuals re-entering
the workforce by upgrading skills, offers a GED program, and can even provide
funding for individuals to take classes or specialized training.
NevadaWorks
NevadaWorks is the northern Nevada Workforce Board, which targets federal
and private resources to help employers develop well-trained, productive
employees who meet specific skill requirements. Approved service providers
for NevadaWorks include Western Nevada College, Truckee Meadows Community
College, Community Chest, and ProNet, a networking association for people
looking to reenter the job market. These service providers are eligible
to receive Workforce Investment Act Title I-B funds for training services
to adult and dislocated workers.
The board also manages the JobConnect Centers in Carson City, Reno, and Sparks. JobConnect is a statewide program that provides access to complete and comprehensive workforce services for employers and individuals in central locations and offers on-site resource centers, access to training resources, job order and job referral services, placement assistance, meeting and interview rooms, training centers for workshops, basic computer and resume writing skills, and other specialized programs as needed.
JobConnect recently added a new service - the Northern Nevada Literacy Council GED On-Line program with internet-based access, registration, and virtual instructors available at the JobConnect Resource Centers.
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
TMCC provides initial skills training in such areas as: welding, forklift
operation and safety, database and word processing, plus customized industry
specific programs. TMCC's Technical Institute, Edison Campus houses the
Applied Industrial Technology programs and provides students with education
and training in one or more career-oriented programs. The Technical Institute
also provides advanced training for employed and skilled technicians and
craftsmen.
Office of Workforce Development and
Continuing Education (WDCE)
WDCE, a one-stop education outlet, that gives you the convenience of one
TMCC division where you can pursue your hobbies and personal interests,
stay abreast of the latest computer technology, brush up on job skills,
train for a new career, create customized training for your employees, take
advantage of certification testing, keep up with industrial safety mandates
and increase your literacy or grasp of the English language. WDCE offers
educational flexibility whether you're seeking a comprehensive two-month
long course or a day-long workshop at dozens of Reno/Sparks locations. In
addition, we offer hundreds of online courses and can even offer courses
at your business.
Programs offered through the WDCE include bilingual office and medical assistant certification, cosmetology, diversity management, Judicial/Court Reporting Program, GED Preparatory Classes, massage training, personal training certification, Silver College (a series of courses for retirees), special events management certification, and translation certification.
Western Nevada College (WNC)
Through its Employee Training Center, WNC provides educational programs
and training services to businesses in the region. They also serve as a
liaison between educators and employers, linking high school students with
employment opportunities through the Student Job Board.
Department of Employment, Training and
Rehabilitation (DETR)
DETR's primary mission is to operate a no-fee labor exchange which matches
qualified workers with available jobs. Their services include advertising,
application screening, and placement.
Department of Employment,
Training, and Rehabilitation Career Enhancement Program (CEP)
CEP is a statewide program that provides services for unemployed Nevadans
by placing them in training and retraining positions with employers across
the state. Employers that provide opportunities for CEP clients receive
financial reimbursement for training costs.
Technology/Business
Assistance
Management Assistance Partnership (MAP)
MAP is the industrial extension program of the Nevada
System of Higher Education and its partners. Its primary purpose is
to work directly with Nevada companies to strengthen their global competitiveness
by providing information, decision support, and implementation assistance
in adopting new, more advanced technologies, techniques, and best business
practices.
Specifically designed for Nevada manufacturing, construction, and mining companies, MAP provides assessments and evaluations, direct consultations, employee development programs, specialized worker, supervisory and managerial training, technology development, business systems improvement, and field engineers.
Regional Technical Institute (RTI)
RTI is a high school in Washoe County for advanced career and technical
training education that prepares students to enter directly into the workforce.
Students attend part of the day at their regular high school campus and
part of the day at RTI, or they can earn a diploma from RTI.
Programs include: Junior and Senior Academic Block, Agriculture, Plant Science, Vet Medicine, Building Trades, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, 3D Design, Imaging and Animation, Health Occupations, Sports Medicine, Emergency Medical Service, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Video and Broadcast Production Technology, Business Computer Systems, PC Servicing and Networking Fundamentals, Welding Fabrication Technology, Advanced Culinary Art, Early Childhood Education, Machine Tool Manufacturing, and Graphic Arts.
Through a partnership with International Game Technology (IGT), TMCC has developed the Applied Technology Center, a branch of RTI which provides students with education and training opportunities in industrial technologies, including automotive, construction, diesel, electronic, environmental control technology and welding.
Bureau of Business &
Economic Research
The bureau provides assistance with economic impact studies, cost/benefits
analysis, research & analysis, forecasting trends in economic development,
analyzing and tabulating data and designing, implementing and summarizing
survey results.
Nevada Technology Council (NTC)
NTC is a nonprofit corporation formed to establish and maintain an active
organization of persons from business, government and academia, who are
interested in advancing economic development and diversification through
innovative technology and entrepreneurship.
Nevada Small Business Development Center
(NSBDC)
The NSBDC is an economic development resource with a network of facilities
throughout the State providing the expertise, knowledge and innovative training
necessary to help startup and ongoing business succeed.
Geographic Information Systems
(GIS)
Assistance in mapping and information needs, demographic estimates, retail
sales analysis, census reports, market & growth analysis, traffic patterns,
site location analysis and tract maps.
Business Environmental Program
This program provides free assistance to help minimize waste and comply
with State and federal hazardous waste and air regulations.
Technology Transfer
In a cooperative effort with USC ETTC NASA's Far West Regional Technology
Transfer, the center assists inventors and entrepreneurs applying for SBIR
funding through the Federal government and identification of other possible
loan sources.
Wages
& Availability For Washoe County
Complete listing of Reno MSA wages and availability 
| Job Title | Estimated Employment | Mean Wage | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total All Occupations | 220,610 | 19.20 | 15.16 |
| Management Occupations | 10,530 | 42.78 | 37.54 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 7,640 | 32.31 | 26.62 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 3,040 | 31.23 | 29.36 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 2,840 | 31.03 | 28.62 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations | 1,470 | 30.50 | 27.77 |
| Community and Social Services Occupations | * | 22.92 | 22.53 |
| Legal Occupations | 1,340 | 50.28 | 45.31 |
| Education, Training, and Library Occupations | 9,820 | 23.40 | 20.89 |
| Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations | 2,540 | 21.61 | 18.45 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 8,160 | 36.77 | 32.09 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 4,580 | 14.50 | 13.72 |
| Protective Service Occupations | 4,610 | 18.84 | 15.73 |
| Food Preparation and Serving-Related Occupations | 21,880 | 9.18 | 8.28 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations | 10,010 | 11.54 | 10.54 |
| Personal Care and Service Occupations | 9,890 | 10.91 | 9.22 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,180 | 16.70 | 12.16 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 37,380 | 15.65 | 14.43 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 190 | 13.15 | 12.07 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 18,500 | 22.10 | 20.73 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations | 9,490 | 20.04 | 19.13 |
| Production Occupations | 11,300 | 14.81 | 13.44 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 20,040 | 14.57 | 12.96 |
2008 Wages
Source: Department of Training, Rehabilitation and Employment (DETR), *indicates confidential information
